Heavy fighting in northern Ethiopia raises fears of new humanitarian crisis

Heavy fighting resumed in northern Ethiopia over the weekend, as clashes between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government intensified, raising fears of a new humanitarian crisis in the region.

The TPLF has seized airports and launched attacks into the neighboring Ethiopian states of Afar and Amhara, describing their actions as a “defensive war” against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. A humanitarian source estimates that at least 150,000 people have been displaced in Afar alone, though precise figures remain unavailable.

Human Rights Watch expressed concern over the escalating violence, highlighting the risk to civilians amid reduced diplomatic attention due to other regional crises, such as the severe humanitarian situation in Sudan.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, accused Eritrea and Sudan of supporting armed groups fighting federal troops. He stated that the TPLF and Eritrean forces cannot achieve their objectives without backing from Sudan, Egypt, and other external powers.

The TPLF has allied with seven armed groups nationwide and appears to be advancing through Amhara towards Addis Ababa, aiming to cut supply routes from Djibouti, which handles nearly all of Ethiopia’s international trade, including fuel.

The conflict has also seen the use of drones, with Tigrai TV’s headquarters in Mekelle struck by a drone attack. Since Friday, telecommunications disruptions have limited phone and internet services in Tigray, complicating reporting and humanitarian aid efforts.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the situation, particularly the use of drones and harm to civilians.